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1/31/09

These new gel- based cream shadows from Urban Decay are simply amazing. The colors are absolutely insane...from the brightest blues and deep emerald greens to more natural shades, there is something for everyone. What they are...

Urban Decay Cream Shadow channels the sex appeal of the 70's and the science of today. Whipped to perfection, each shimmering shade dries to a weightless layer of color that will not crease, fade, or hide in fine lines. Unlike most cream shadows, the gel-based formula features silicone technology, allowing time to blend, correct, and smudge. Once dry, shadow is light and as flexible as your own skin. -Sephora.com

I tried every single one of them and the colors are quite impressive. They are $17 each and there are 12 shades to choose from. I purchased two, Whipped (a peachy gold) and Delinquent (a deep, but bright purple). I have a feeling I'll be back for Radium (yep, the same gorgeous blue as the liquid liner) and Grass (a bright emerald).

Delinquent and Whipped:

I love the packaging. The wand is a doe-foot applicator. Or, you can apply by squeezing product directly from the tube. (Why can't they make the Primer Potion in a larger container like this??)

1/28/09

Hey guys! I get a lot of questions about my MAC eye shadow palettes that I use in my tutorials so I figured this would be the best way for you all to see them and how I organize them. These are all my palettes that I use on myself. No kit stuff here. (I just really love eye shadows ok? haha) I really just organize them in a way that makes sense for me. Also, not all of them are full...I kind of have a phobia of filling them up! ...because then there's no room for more! :) Gotta' have room to grow right??Labeled from left to right, top row to bottom row.Colors followed by a * are my favorites :)Colors followed by a (P) are Pro colors

How I keep the actual palettes organized:I keep them in a drawer of my vanity with the labels on the back. These are just simple labels that you can buy in the office/school supply section of any store. They peel off super easily too, as I've had to replace them several times because they get dirty. They should stay nice for months though :)

If you have any questions about the palettes or shadows themselves (where to buy, how much they cost, MAC Pro, etc.), check out my YouTube channel. All those questions are answered in my new MAC FAQ video (coming soon!) I also show you how I have them organized in the drawer.

1/24/09

Black eye liner is probably my all time favorite cosmetic. I'm always on the lookout for a great one that is long wearing, easy to apply, waterline-safe, and of course, VERY black. I think I found it. The Stila Eye Kajal in Onyx is all of those things...and more. This is the only pencil I've ever used that applies so wonderfully to the waterline. In one light stroke, you get the most intense opaque black line that will stick around throughout the day (and night) without doing the dreaded "goop" within an hour of wear. At the longest, I wore this product for 8 hours and actually had to work to remove it from that area. I was very impressed by just how long-lasting it is. It's also very non-irritating. While wearing this product, my eyes never felt uncomfortable.As you can see in the swatches, this liner is extremely pigmented and very black.

While this is by far my favorite pencil eye liner I've ever tried, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The product itself is extremely soft. This makes it a dream to apply, however, you really have to be careful when sharpening. The first time I sharpened it, the point broke off. However, I've sharpened it 4 times since then and have had no breakage. As long as your sharpener is sharp and you're careful, you should be fine. Since it is so soft, it requires frequent sharpening, which means you'll have to re-purchase often. Which brings me to the next drawback, the price. At $18, it's a little steep for something that wears down so quickly. However, I'll continue to use it because nothing I've ever used compares. Also, because of the softness, you can easily apply too much, causing it to build up which makes it impossible to "set". Then, it will end up smudging. With this stuff, a little goes a long way, so you really have to use a light hand. It's unlike any pencil liner I've ever used, so you really have to get used to the application.

These eye liners are available in a wide range of colors and can be found at Sephora, Ulta and wherever Stila cosmetics are sold.

1/21/09

UDPP Sin : $17*Currently only available to Sephora Beauty Insiders through online orderAvailable where Urban Decay products are sold in Feb.

A best-selling eye shadow primer potion in a shimmering champagne color.Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion- Sin combines incredible staying power with a shimmering champagne hue that complements almost any eyeshadow. This two-in-one beauty miracle can be worn alone to give eyes just a hint of tint for when you're in a hurry or in need of that "no makeup" look. (Sephora.com)

I absolutely love the original UDPP and at only a dollar more, this new version is just as awesome...maybe even better! It delivers the same non-creasing, long-wearing results of the original with a gorgeous uniform shimmer that can be subtle if applied very sheer, or built to provide a brighter, more intense look. I wore this today on it's own with some black eyeliner and not only was it quick, but it looked perfect all day. I also love how the color is so universal, that just about any eye shadow color can be applied over for great results.

This elegant creme evaporates to a dry finish, and leaves behind long-lasting semi-matte color. Water-resistant and crease-proof, it corrects imperfections and discoloration on the lid. (Sephora.com)

This is the eye shadow primer I've been waiting for... Well, not so much waiting, but I just didn't know it existed! Not only is it long wearing and keeps eye shadow from creasing all day, but it comes in a variety of flesh-toned and color-correcting shades that will work to neutralize and even the tone and color of the eye lid before eye shadow application. Or, it's nice all on its own! Some colors even contain subtle shimmer.Since purchasing this, I've worn it both ways and the results were phenomenal. This product will surely replace my ever loving MAC Painterly Paint Pot addiction... It delivers the coverage of that product, with the long wear of a crease-proof and water resistant eye shadow primer. It's like Urban Decay Primer Potion and Painterly paint pot rolled into one convenient step.

1/19/09

Do you remember Hansel's "makeup kit" in Zoolander?? You know, the one he carried in his back pocket for "touch ups"?? I think it was larger than this...lol.

Honestly, I knew nothing about this palette until I saw it in my February issue of Allure. I was SALIVATING at all the bright colors. This limited edition 35-color palette retails for $70. This is what Allure had to say:

"Bobbi Brown's new Brights Palette reminds us of a sheet of candy buttons, but the 35 dots of eye shadow were inspired by something sour: what Brown calls her "ugly kit." By this, she means colors that work well on photo shoots--but not always so much in everyday life. She recommends wearing the vibrant, highly pigmented shades sparingly, with neutral colors on the lips and cheeks. "If you go through this palette quickly," Brown adds, "you're wearing it wrong." -Kayleigh Donahue

Interesting...considering the eye shadows are literally each the size of a pea. I was SHOCKED at how small this palette is. The palette itself is the size of a Blackberry Curve (lol, that's all I can compare it to!). The picture inside Allure is, no joke, actual size. I was expecting something much larger. Especially at a steep price tag of $70. I was expecting the shadows to be at least the size of a dime - similar to that of the Coastal Scents 88 palettes. I would make SUCH a mess with this palette because not many eye shadow brushes would fit over the colors without dragging into the others...unless you were super careful.

So I tested this palette (*cough* bought it and returned it) and as you can probably already tell from my description, I was disappointed. Bottom line, the colors have exceptional pigmentation, but that's about the only good thing. $70 for 35 pea sized colors?? My momma taught me better...lol. Even if they are highly pigmented, that's just too steep for me. You'll be much better off paying around $20 or so for a Coastal Scents 88 palette and you get 88 colors...that are much larger.

1/17/09

EEEEEK!!! Ok, so since I am IN LOVE with the MAC Mineralized Blushes, this is totally thrilling to me. I just saw these images on Specktra and honestly, I think MAC got it right. From what it appears, half is a single color blush that is probably the same formula as the Mineralized Blush. The other half appears to be a gorgeous marbelized shade that complements the blush color perfectly. I could totally see myself swirling both colors for a cheek color with some sheen, or going with the obvious use: Blush on cheeks, pretty-swirly-MSF'ey goodness side for a pretty highlight. I CAN'T WAIT!!The collection is set to release March 12, 2009.

1/10/09

In my opinion, you can't beat Make Up For Ever where foundations are concerned. As someone who is IN LOVE with the Mat Velvet+ liquid foundation, I had to try the All Mat primer.Lately I haven't really been using primer much because it can sometimes feel heavy on my oily skin. However, I decided while on a recent trip to Sephora, that I would find the perfect mattifier for my skin. I had heard some great things about this mattifying primer, so trying this was a no-brainer.

This is a crystal clear, silicone gel based product that actually contains oil absorbing powders to keep shine and oil under control. Yeah, yeah... I've heard those promises before. I was a little skeptical, as I've never truly found anything that is able to keep oil at bay. Until now. To cover the face, you only need one pump of product. It smooths easily over the face and is quickly absorbed. While rubbing it in, it feels like any other silicone based primer, maybe a little thicker. However, when it's completely rubbed in, it feels totally clean. Then, you apply whatever foundation you prefer over it. I've used it with the Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ liquid foundation (my HG liquid foundation) and also with the MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural (buffed on as foundation). Makeup smoothly applies right over it. There's no oily after-effect like with some primers. Some might find the smell a little bit "too-much", but if you've tried the Mat Velvet+ foundation, the smell is identical. It's a rosy, floral smell. I've tried it now 3 times and it has truly made a dramatic difference. Both with the oil breakthrough and with the long-wear of my foundation.I usually have to use those oil-blotting sheets a few times throughout the day because of shine. Since using this primer, the oil sheets haven't left my purse. My foundaiton also looks freshly applied throughout the day. This stuff really delivers. Overall, I'm VERY IMPRESSED.

You can find this product at Sephora stores and it's $45. Sounds expensive, but this bottle should last me several months as you only need a little bit.

1/9/09

When I first heard about this collection, I wasn't excited. At all. Then, as I found more and more information and pictures about this collection, my excitement grew. UM, HELLO!?! NEW BRUSHES AND MSFS!! Also, the eye shadows and lip colors looked promising. I admit, I had a pretty large wish list.So I decided to actually check this collection out in person before I decided on anything. I am SO glad I did. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into my local MAC store and there was NO ONE inside and all the BBR stuff was waiting on me...untouched. I was able to really take my time and check out each and every color. Overall, the Brushes and Mineralized Skinfinishes were the stand-out items in this large collection.

Coming from someone who can usually justify buying most items in a collection, I was surprised at my willpower and the thought I put into this one. EVEN MORE shocking is the fact that after I return Henna, I will own no eye shadows from this collection... Maybe I just need to get rid of my massive amount of eye shadows! (yeah right)

Brushes:I was IMMEDIATELY sold on the 226 small tapered blending brush. It's very small and dense and has a pointed tip that can actually be quite precise. I've used it twice and love it. It's awesome for the crease. It provides great precision for a controlled application, blends easily, and is actually pointed enough to define the area at the lower lashline.The 165 tapered cheek highlight brush was interesting as well. Think of it as a huge version of a #224 and #226 brush mixed together. It's very soft. I noticed it really picked up a lot of color when used with a MSF. It also applies those very well. I CAN'T WAIT to try this brush with liquid foundation!The 214 short shader brush is very small, dense, and soft. It looks like it would be best used for creating more smokey looks, as it seemed to smudge powder formulas and liner really well. I did not purchase it because I already owned a very similar brush from Sephora. However, it would be a great addition to anyone's stash of eye shadow brushes.

MSF's:I really loved how these had more of a gradient effect rather than the marbelized look that the other MSF's have. I ended up getting the Blonde and Redhead. I skipped the Brunette because it was VERY deep. It appearred orange on my skin (I'm NC20-25). These have no large flecks of shimmer like some MSF's, but have more of an intense frost finish.Eye Shadows:The eye shadow colors, while gorgeous, were all very easily duped by items in the permanent collection. Nothing was super unique. If I didn't own so many MAC eye shadows, I would have been all over them. I only "bought" Henna (I B2M'd for it), however, I'm going to exchange it for something else...keep reading and you'll see why!My thoughts...Deep Shade=Deep Truth crossed with ContrastHenna=If you have Sumptuous Olive, you have Henna.Femme Fi=Nothing special. Has great color payoff, but is close enough to RicepaperPincurl=Reminded me of Vex or Seedy PearlKnight=Silver Ring crossed with Knight DivineTop Knot=This color let me down. The payoff isn't that great and it's basically a muted black. The shimmer particle doesn't really transfer as much as I would have wished.Flip=Awesome payoff, but reminded me of a more golden version of Rice Paper.French Cuff= Awesome payoff...but reminded me of Bold & Brazen, Expensive Pink, and Mythology100 Strokes= Very close to Twinks or Sketch

Lip Colors:Overall, I feel the same about these as I do about the eye shadows. They are GORGEOUS, but if you already own a few MAC lipglasses or lipsticks, chances are you'll have something similar to most of them. The only color I purchased was Soft Wave. It's such a pretty wearable tan shade with shimmer. Live and Dye was also really a really pretty color (a medium cool pink), but I couldn't bring myself to buy it because it wasn't that unique. As for the lipsticks, Marquise d’ was the most attractive to me, but again, wasn't that unique.

Overall, while the colors were beautiful, it just wasn't that exciting when I saw it in person. Hopefully this helps some of you out who may not be able to try before you buy!

I'm a self-taught makeup artist and beauty product junkie from Atlanta, Georgia. My husband Brad and I bought our first home a few years ago in that area as well. If you follow me on twitter, you've probably heard of him before (and all of our crazy adventures turning our house into a home that we love). That's something else you should know about me. I'm obsessed with interior design and all things DIY. We'll get more into that a bit later.

Let's not leave out Waylon, our Golden Retriever, who can usually be found stealing the show in most of my videos. He also floods my twitter and Twitpic accounts daily with his cuteness.After spending my college years majoring in education and teaching little ones, I discovered that I am truly a teacher at heart. However, I had always dreamed of becoming a makeup artist. By combining my love of teaching with my love of makeup, I ventured into the world of YouTube creating makeup and beauty how-to videos for fun. People started watching and the channel grew faster and larger than I could have ever imagined. I had no idea it would ever become what it has and I'm so thankful for all my subscribers! It's truly so much fun and very rewarding knowing that I'm able to reach so many people and do what I love.I now have two YouTube channels. MakeupByTiffanyD, my first and main channel, and my "priority" where videos are concerned, is all about beauty. It's my baby. Makeup tutorials, beauty advice, product reviews... anything beauty related you could ever imagine can be found there. I post on that channel regularly.Then there's TiffanyDtv. Crazy and random is what would describe the pile of nonsense that goes on there. From talking about books, my life, my puppy, taking my viewers along with me to Paris, Vegas, or even a theme park... It can all be found there. Even little "tours" of rooms of our home. Another thing you need to know about me... I LOVE home decor and anything diy. I even posted a little shelf-building tutorial on there recently. Yes, you read that correctly...haha.I've gotten to do so many fun and exciting things because of my beauty vlogging & blogging. I've met so many amazing people, worked with some of the best companies, traveled all over the United States, and most recently, to Paris! It's really been so much fun and a dream come true.Welcome to my lil' makeup world!xoxo,Tiffany